CITATION RHU POINT SITE of SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Argyll and Bute Site Code: 1348
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CITATION RHU POINT SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Argyll and Bute Site code: 1348 NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: NS264840 OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 56 1:25,000 SHEET NO: Explorer Series 347 AREA: 0.11 hectares NOTIFIED NATURAL FEATURES Geological: Quaternary geology and geomorphology: Quaternary of Scotland DESCRIPTION: Rhu Point SSSI is situated at the head of a shingle beach on Gare Loch in the village of Rhu, close to Helensburgh. The notified natural feature of the SSSI comprises a series of glacial and marine sediments laid down at the end of the last Ice Age. This sequence of glacial and marine deposits provides important lithostratigraphic evidence for interpreting Devensian late-glacial events and environmental changes in western Scotland. First, the deposits demonstrate a period of incursion of cold seas represented by Clyde Beds following recession of the Late Devensian (last) ice sheet. Second, they provide clear evidence for a subsequent glacial episode (Loch Lomond Readvance) through the deformation of the Clyde Beds and the presence of till and glaciofluvial sediments. Third, a radiocarbon date from fossil shells in the Clyde Beds provides a maximum date for the culmination of the Loch Lomond Readvance in this area. Fourth, a sequence of raised beach deposits record subsequent changes in relative sea level. Fifth, Rhu Point is also noted for the fine glaciotectonic deformation features in the deposits. Finally, it is of historical interest as one of the first localities in Scotland where glacier theory was applied in a detailed study to explain surface landforms and deposits. NOTIFICATION HISTORY First notified under the 1949 Act: 1st January 1955 Re-notified under the 1981 Act: 29th October 1984, reduced to approximately a fifth of its previous area. Notification reviewed under the 2004 Act: 26 March 2008. REMARKS None .